Corban McGregor is hoping to prove her fullback credentials for NSW this week when she runs out for the City team at the Harvey Norman National Championships starting on Thursday in Burleigh.
The women's NSW side officially hit baby fever earlier this year with three of five outside backs falling pregnant to rule them out of their first chance at a title defence.
Sam Bremner, Nakia Davis-Welsh and Taleena Simon are on the sidelines for the four-day tournament, which will act as a huge selection process for both states for the second annual State of Origin clash on June 21.
McGregor is determined to replace Bremner in the No.1 jersey and a strong showing at the Championships will likely be enough to convince new Blues coach Andy Patmore.
The 25-year-old lasted six minutes in the centres for the inaugural clash last year at North Sydney Oval before dislocating her shoulder, putting an end to her season.
"I've been enjoying my time at fullback with club footy at the Sharks and would really love to push for that spot," McGregor told jetwinvip.com.
"If that's not where I end up I just want to play the full 60 minutes this time. My goal this year was to have an injury-free season and to finish the game and make better memories at the ground would be good.
"As a state we just want to keep winning, this is my fifth year now and I haven't lost to them so another year of bragging rights is what we'd like."
McGregor identified Cronulla and NSW City teammates Kiana Takairangi and Quincy Dodd as candidates who could fill the void left by Davis-Welsh and Simon in the backs, while the No.14 utility jersey is also up for grabs with Nita Maynard ineligible through her commitments with New Zealand.
"There's talent oozing through and we saw that with Quincy at Nationals last year," McGregor said.
"She had a blinder weekend and pushed her way to be our 18th player last season. Anything can happen and it's great to see the depth is visible for both states really.
"It shouldn't be an issue to fill those spaces for us and we're confident whoever is put there will do a great job."
NSW City will kick off the National Championships with a clash against Combined Affiliated States on Thursday at midday.
For full details on the draw, click . Matches will be live streamed via jetwinvip.com, with the final two matches of the Championship (on Sunday) broadcast on Fox League.
Match: Sky Blues v Maroons
Round 1 -
home Team
Sky Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney